The effective dissemination and use of disability and rehabilitation research are critical components of NIDRR’s mission. Research findings can improve the quality of life of people with disabilities and advance their full inclusion into society. These benefits are feasible only if the findings are accessible and understandable to all constituencies: research scientists, people with disabilities, their families, service providers, policy-makers, educators, human resource developers, advocates, entities covered by the ADA, and others. NIDRR’s challenges include reaching diverse and changing populations, presenting research results in many different and accessible formats, and using communication technology effectively. This requires taking into account the changing environment for dissemination and utilization, which is affected by technological innovation, the changing etiology of disability, and an increased emphasis on the individual’s interaction with the physical and social universe.
Future dissemination and utilization strategies will build upon successful past strategies, such as archives, newsletters, and best-practice reports. These strategies will capitalize on the potential of electronic media and other telecommunications innovations for linked and searchable Web sites, listservs, and computer chats. To enhance the dissemination and utilization of research, NIDRR will carry out a number of significant activities. These will include establishing a national information center, creating databases, developing consumer partnerships, providing specialized assistance to grantees, using electronic media and telecommunications to reach more information users, targeting new audiences, and evaluating dissemination methods.
Capacity-building for Research and Training
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